Kidnappers Strike Again in Edo, Demand N10 Million Ransom – MonITNG Raises Alarm
Civic tech accountability group, MonITNG, has raised alarm over the rising cases of abductions along Edo highways, urging Governor Monday Okpebholo and security agencies to take immediate action.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) titled “Kidnapping Alert in Edo State!”, the group expressed concern over what it described as the growing wave of insecurity that has left many families in fear.
According to the report, two individuals — Mr. John Odion from Ogute-Emai in Owan East Local Government Area and Miss Ayeni Joy — were among those abducted on Saturday, October 25, 2025, near the NIFOR area by the Aso-Rock Police Checkpoint along the Benin–Sobe–Akure Road.
MonITNG disclosed that about ten passengers traveling from Sabo-Gidda Ora in Owan West LGA to Benin City were kidnapped, while the driver and two nursing mothers were released. Mr. Odion, who had boarded the ill-fated vehicle after failing to get a direct ride from Afuze to Benin, was among those still in captivity.
The kidnappers reportedly demanded an initial ransom of N20 million, later reduced to N10 million after negotiations. In a related incident, Miss Joy was also kidnapped along the same route, with her captors demanding N20 million for her release.
The civic group lamented that these incidents highlight the deteriorating security situation on Edo highways and called on the state government, the Nigerian Police Force, and local vigilante groups to take swift and coordinated action to rescue the victims and restore safety along the Benin–Sobe–Akure corridor.
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